ASUS Introduces ROG Strix Aiolos External SSD Enclosure

Over the years, ASUS has introduced a few external SSD enclosure designs, and one of those was the ROG Strix Arion. Now there’s a second ROG-branded equivalent in ROG Strix Aiolos introduced today, which can be summed up as a spicier version of the Strix Arion that precedes it.

ROG Strix Aiolos

Some of the key features of the ROG Strix Aiolos include faster USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 link that supports 20Gbps (roughly 2,000MB/s) bandwidth, while the M.2 slot is compatible with both the modern-day NVMe PCIe and legacy SATA formats, in 2242, 2260, and 2280 form factors – so that’s at least six types of SSDs. Ultra-small M.2 2230 drives are not mechanically supported, but we suppose it’s still possible to make-do, as long as you know what you’re doing.

You do not need any tools for the entirety of the installation process involving this SSD enclosure. For its outer shell (also a heatsink), the ROG Strix Aiolos features a push-to-open latch on both edges that reveals the SSD slot; inside, there’s a thumbscrew that secures the drive itself, while the thermal pad on the shell helps transfer the heat away. ASUS says the drive also comes with an external liquid-silicone rubber coating that is heat-resistant so it remains “cool to the touch”.

Aside from the hardware itself, ASUS will provide its users with the exclusive ROG SSD Dashboard software that provides real-time monitoring of drive status through a dedicated user interface, while its onboard RGB lighting can be customized through a web interface, no installation of Armoury Crate required.

ASUS says the ROG Strix Aiolos is expected to be available in Malaysia from late March 2026, with pricing not yet announced at this time.

Pokdepinion: It does remind me of the ROG Astral GPUs.